The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max is the company’s flagship portable projector. Its triple laser DLP light engine is rated to deliver a very high 5,700 ISO lumens brightness, and it has Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and IMAX Enhanced support. Optical zoom and lens shift features allow for a high level of placement flexibility.
The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max's picture is bright, with powerful contrast and crisp textures. Motion handling for both sports and movies is very good after making some adjustments, and it also delivers surprisingly good built-in sound, with solid bass, clear speech and effective virtual surround sound.
Google TV is built in for wireless streaming, and gaming performance is very good. The Horizon 20 Max does lack key gaming features such as 4K 120Hz support, but its performance is responsive and snappy when playing intense games.
The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max is much more expensive than the best portable projectors, but its performance justifies its price, and it’s easily one of the best projectors I’ve tested.
Xgimi Horizon 20 Max review: Prices & release date The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max has crisp textures and refined detail (Image credit: Future)The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max is the company’s flagship 4K portable projector, sitting above both the mid-range Horizon 20 Pro and entry-level Horizon 20. It was released in October 2025 for $2,999 / £2,599. This puts it in a similar price range as rivals such as the Anker Nebula X1, Valerian VisionMaster Pro 2 and Hisense C2 Ultra.
Since its release, the Horizon 20 Max’s price has remained the same in both the US and UK, but it has fallen to as low as $2,399 in Xgimi special offers. Minus any discounts, it sits at the premium end of the portable 4K projector market.
Xgimi Horizon 20 Max review: SpecsScreen sizes supported:
40-300 inches
Brightness (specified):
5,700 ISO lumens
HDR support:
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Display technology:
Triple laser DLP
Smart TV:
Google TV
Connections:
1x HDMI (with eARC), 3.5mm audio out, USB-A, USB-C (supports 100/140W PD input)
Dimensions (H x W x D):
2x HDMI (x1 eARC), 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, 1x 3.5mm, 1x optical audio out
Weight:
11.9 pounds (5.4kg)
Xgimi Horizon 20 Max: Design & featuresImage 1 of 2The Horizon 20 Max's rear ports (1) and optical zoom feature (2) (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2(Image credit: Future)The Horizon 20 Max feels solidly built and has a useful hinged design that lets you easily adjust its projection height. A gimbal stand allows for good rotation, without needing to move the projector itself. At 9.6 x 11.7 x 7.5 inches (249 x 298 x 190mm), its size is similar to other larger portable projectors such as the JMGO N1S Pro 4K.
The Horizon 20 Max has a triple laser DLP light engine and a rated brightness of 5,700 ISO lumens. Its throw ratio is 1.2-1.5:1, and it can project on screens ranging from 40-300 inches.
The Horizon 20 Max has several useful features for image correction, including auto and manual keystone and focus, optical zoom, 120% vertical and 45% horizontal lens shift, intelligent obstacle avoidance, wall color adaptation and eye protection.
I found these features to be impressive during my testing, with auto keystone working effectively. The optical zoom made setup easy, displaying the image with good brightness and clarity even at maximum zoom. The lens shift also proved to be a very useful tool with a wide range that let me easily align the image with the 80-inch matte white screen I used for testing.
The Horizon 20 Max supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and IMAX Enhanced. It has a Filmmaker Mode, but this isn’t a standard picture preset like you’ll find on some of the best TVs, but rather a ‘Filmmaker Mode switch’ setting that can be turned on in the Display settings. 3D is also supported on the Horizon 20 Max.
The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max uses Google TV as its UI (Image credit: Future)For audio, the Horizon 20 Max has 2x 12W speakers with sound by Harmon Kardon and DTS: Virtual X support. There is support for Dolby audio, but not Dolby Atmos. Sound modes include Standard and Movie, plus a virtual surround sound setting. There is also an EQ for bass and treble adjustments.
For connections, the Horizon 20 Max has two HDMI ports (one with eARC), a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, one optical digital audio output and one analog audio output.
The Horizon 20 Max uses Google TV as its operating system and supports major streaming apps including Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime Video. Its extensive settings for both picture and audio allow for a deep level of customization.
While the Horizon 20 Max does not support 4K 120Hz, it does support VRR and ALLM for gaming and a 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p resolution (as well as 4K at 60Hz). I did find that the Horizon 20 Max accepted 4K 120Hz signals from my Xbox Series X, but it was confirmed by Xgimi that this was probably being downscaled and using it could result in an “unstable or downgraded image”.
For my testing, I used an 80-inch Optoma 1.0 gain matte white screen. The Horizon 20 Max measured 433 nits HDR peak brightness in both Movie and Standard mode, with light output set to Max (the default). This is a great result and easily beats other portable projectors I’ve tested like the JMGO N1S Pro, which hit 178 nits peak HDR brightness. The Horizon 20 Max’s bright picture is no surprise, given that it is rated for 5,700 ISO lumens.
When measuring the Horizon 20 Max’s native contrast ratio, it yielded a result of 1,446:1. Color accuracy in the default Movie preset was 6.8, but setting the color temperature to D65 dropped it to 3.3, a much better result. Lastly, it covered 98.9% of the DCI-P3 color space and 96.8% of the BT.2020 color space, both excellent results.
The Horizon 20 Max’s bright picture really made an impact with animated movies. Watching a 4K Dolby Vision stream of Elemental in Dolby Vision Bright picture mode, the Horizon 20 Max showed vibrant, dazzling colors that packed plenty of punch, such as in one scene where Ember runs across some crystals, changing her own flame’s color.
A scene where Maria and the children stand at a fruit market stall from the 4K Blu-ray of The Sound of Music showed impressive highlights, with the reds and yellows of the fruits popping on screen. As they made their way into the hills, the luscious green grass and clear blue of the sky were bold but still had a true-to-life look.
Switching to darker movies, the Horizon 20 Max also displayed strong contrast and rich blacks. In the crime scene in Mayor Mitchell’s house on a 4K Blu-ray of The Batman, the Horizon 20 Max had great shadow detail, with objects such as photo frames on the dark walls still visible. In both The Batman and Dark City, again on 4K Blu-ray, the Horizon 20 Max’s contrast was powerful, with lamps under people’s faces casting strong shadows. While blacks did occasionally take on a gray-blue hue, they were mostly accurate – more so than on other projectors I’ve tested, such as the JMGO N1S Pro 4K.
Black levels aren't the deepest on the Horizon 20 Max, but are still very good (Image credit: Future)Textures throughout my viewing were crisp and detailed. Whether it was the plates in Batman’s armor in The Batman, the pockets on dark jackets of characters in Dark City, or even blades of grass in The Sound of Music, everything looked realistic.
The Horizon 20 Max’s motion handling is generally very good. Watching a soccer game on Prime Video, I found that setting MEMC to Low in picture settings produced the smoothest motion. When I next watched a panning camera shot from the movie No Time To Die where Bond walks across a rocky hillside, setting MEMC to Low also provided smooth motion without adding a soap opera effect.
The Horizon 20 Max does a solid job of upscaling SDR and lower-resolution content out of the box. An HD stream of Fight Club got an uplift in crispness and contrast. There are a number of AI settings that can be applied if you’re looking for a sharper picture, including AIPQ and AISR, with the latter having a scale from Low-High. This improves upscaling even further, and as long as you stick to the lower settings, it doesn’t make pictures look overly sharp.
Gaming performance on the Horizon 20 Max is solid, even with fast-paced games such as Battlefield V (pictured) (Image credit: Future)The Horizon 20 Max has two built-in 12W Sound by Harmon Kardon speakers, and I was impressed by how well they performed. Watching the Batmobile chase scene from The Batman, the Horizon 20 Max delivered plenty of volume, with strong bass that perfectly conveyed the rumble of the Batmobile’s engine. Even car crashes had plenty of impact. Turning on surround sound in the settings made the soundstage wider, with accurate placement of effects such as screeching tires and blaring horns from vehicles. Speech was also clear throughout, whether it was dialogue or the vocals in musicals.
Gaming on the Horizon 20 Max is equally impressive. While it doesn’t support 4K 120Hz gaming, I still found gameplay to be smooth and responsive. Playing Battlefield V at both 4K 60Hz and 1080p 120Hz, gunfights, which needed quick targeting and regular scanning of the environment, felt intuitive and snappy throughout. The Horizon 20 Max’s input lag time was 19.1ms at 4K 60Hz. When I asked Xgimi about the projector's specified 3ms input lag time, I was told that this was for a specific part of the screen. Still, the Horizon 20 Max is a great projector for gaming.
At $2,999 / £2,599, the Horizon 20 Max is a pricey portable projector. Even so, it’s priced comparably to rivals such as the Hisense C2 Ultra ($2,499 / £2,299) and the Anker Nebula X1 ($2,999 / £2,999), and delivers similar features and performance.
You can buy some of the best ultra short throw projectors, such as the Hisense PX3-Pro ($2,699 / £1,999), for cheaper. And there are cheaper portable options such as the JMGO N1S Ultra ($1,599/£1,999), but the Horizon 20 Max really is a fantastic projector for the performance and features it offers.
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design and features
Excellent features for picture adjustment and positioning. Design looks a bit old-school, but feels solidly built and premium
4.5/5
Picture and sound quality
Colorful, bright picture with strong contrast and crisp textures. Built-in sound surprisingly good and solid gaming performance too
4.5/5
Value
At the pricier end of the portable projector market, but with features and performance are great for the money
4/5
Buy it if...You want great picture quality
The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max's picture is bright, with bold colors, powerful contrast, and great detail. View Deal
You want good built-in sound
The Horizon 20 Max has strong built-in sound, with punchy bass, clear speech and surprisingly effective virtual surround sound. View Deal
You want a versatile projector
With plenty of picture adjustment tools as well as extensive installation controls, the Horizon 20 Max is highly versatile for a portable projector. View Deal
You're on a budget
The Horizon 20 Max is a premium, flagship projector and as such carries the high price tag to match. View Deal
You want the full gaming experience
While the Horizon 20 Max is very good for gaming, it is missing key features such as 4K 120Hz support. View Deal
You don't want to adjust your picture
If you're looking for the best possible picture from the Horizon 20 Max, be prepared to spend some time in the settings. View Deal
Xgimi Horizon 20 Max
Anker Nebula X1
Hisense C2 Ultra
Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2
Price:
$2,999 / £2,599 / around AU$4,500
$2,999 / £2,999 / around AU$4,500
$2,999 / £2,499 / AU$4,499
$2,999 / £2,599 / AU4,999
Screen sizes supported:
40-300 inches
up to 200 inches
65-300 inches
40-300 inches
Brightness (specified):
5,700 ISO lumens
3,500 ANSI lumens
3,000 ANSI lumens
3,000 ISO lumens
HDR support
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, IMAX Enhanced
Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG,
Optical technology:
Triple laser DLP
Triple laser DLP
Triple laser DLP
Triple laser DLP
Smart TV:
Google TV
Google TV
Google TV (US) / VIDAA (UK/AU)
Google TV
Connections:
2x HDMI (x1 eARC), 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, 1x 3.5mm, 1x optical audio out
2 x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC), USB-A, USB-C, optical audio out
2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC), 2x USB-A, 1x S/PDIF, Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm, Bluetooth
2x HDMI 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.0 with eARC, 1x optical, 1x 3.5mm
Anker Nebula X1
The Anker Nebula X1 is an excellent projector with similarly good contrast and detail. While not as bright as the Xgimi Horizon 20 Max, it is marginally cheaper and has optional external speakers that can provide better sound.
Read our full Anker Nebula X1 reviewView Deal
Hisense C2 Ultra
The Hisense C2 Ultra is a sleeker, slightly more portable option than the Xgimi Horizon 20 Max that also delivers great picture quality. The Horizon 20 Max has a higher rated brightness, however.
Read our full Hisense C2 Ultra reviewView Deal
Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2
The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 is less portable than its rivals but delivers similarly bright, bold pictures. The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max has significantly more adjustment options, however, making it easier to install.
Read our full Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 reviewView Deal
How I tested the Xgimi Horizon 20 MaxImage 1 of 2(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2(Image credit: Future)I tested the Xgimi Horizon 20 Max using an Optoma 80-inch, 1.0-gain matte white screen. I first did some casual viewing to establish its most accurate picture modes for testing, landing on Movie and Dolby Vision Dark.
I primarily used 4K Blu-ray and 4K streaming for HDR testing, and used lower-resolution streaming for SDR analysis. For the Horizon 20 Max's picture, I looked at brightness, color, upscaling, contrast and shadow detail. For 4K Blu-rays, I used the Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Blu-ray player.
I also tested the Horizon 20 Max's gaming capabilities using an Xbox Series X, playing at both 4K 60Hz and 1080p 120Hz.
For objective testing, I made measurements using a test pattern generator and colorimeter, recording the results with Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software. I measured the Horizon 20 Max's peak brightness for both SDR and HDR, contrast ratio, color and grayscale accuracy, and HDR color gamut coverage for the DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color spaces. I also measured its input lag using a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI Input lag tester.
For a more detailed explanation of how we test TVs at TechRadar, check out the link.
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UPerfect reached into a whole new category of display panel with the UColor T3. It blurs the formerly clear line between a desktop-class monitor and a portable monitor by creating a display that could genuinely be used for either.
It’s a 23.8-inch 4K matte panel, large enough for a desktop display. What makes this panel particularly interesting is that it's as thin as a tablet and powered by a single USB-C port, rather than requiring a USB-C cable to connect to the computer and a separate AC power cable.
Having tested many of the best portable monitors around, including several from UPerfect, I can tell you it’s not the easiest to bring to a quick coffee run. But you could very easily take this on the road, perhaps to a temporary workspace, co-working, or business travel where you need a more substantial screen than your laptop allows. Regardless of the reason, if you need a monitor for whatever reason, but a traditional monitor won’t work for you, you don’t have to decide. You can get a full-sized, 4K-resolution panel that you can take wherever you are.
UPERFECT UColor T3: Price and availability(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )The UColor T3 is currently on sale directly on UPerfect's site for $510 / £386 (and it's discounted at time of review to $410 / £311). I'm also seeing it sold via online retailers for around the same price.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )UPERFECT UColor T3: Unboxing and First ImpressionsThis unboxing didn't feel like a monitor. It felt more like a laptop. I pulled out the 24-inch display, wrapped in protective material, and then pulled out two USB-C cables, an HDMI cable, a power adapter, and a manual. I chose not to get the VESA mount, though that would have come in a separate box if I had. The carrying case feels like a laptop sleeve or a display board case, rather than a monitor case.
Then again, I have never had a portable monitor this size, so that's probably normal. In the style of a portable monitor, setup is pretty straightforward: all you have to do is pull out the display and plug in a single USB-C cable if you have a USB-C device, or plug in an HDMI cable if you're going with HDMI. Then a USB-C for power as well, since power doesn't transfer between the device and the monitor via HDMI.
Right off the bat, I was genuinely shocked by its size. Even next to my 14 and 16-inch laptops, this thing felt huge. I plugged in my iPad mini 7 just for kicks and giggles and was astonished at the size difference.
One thing that I like about this panel is the matte display. Personally, I am a sucker for a good matte screen. I have always had a PaperLike screen protector on my beloved iPads, even when my iPad Pro was my only device for a few years. And, if money were no object, I would have gotten a matte display on my 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro. Because of this love, I really appreciate the matte finish on this portable monitor. I also love that this monitor bends the rules of what makes a "portable" monitor.
Yes, it's more portable than my monitors, which are rigged up with my Monobloc, monitor arms, BenQ light bars, and webcams, but it still won't fit in even my larger Nomatic backpack. This display can be powered by a single USB-C cable running to your host device, but it will also need its own carrying case or an absurdly large bag to transport safely when in use. So, maybe even the term "portable" needs some translation. Or, is this unit too far gone?
UPerfect UColor T3: Design & Build Quality(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )When it comes to overall design and finish, UPERFECT ensured a product that looks high-end yet meets everyday needs. This isn't a display you feel bad bringing out of the office or your house, but it's also one that looks nice enough to use for a presentation with your boss or that client you are trying to impress.
The bezels are sleek, the display is sharp, though I do wish it were a bit brighter, and the stand pops out of the frame, feeling like a bonus feature every time. For setups you want elevated with a desk arm or mounted in an office.
Another unique option could be to use a VESA mounting bracket to mount a mini PC to the back of this monitor, and then run the USB-C directly into the computer, essentially making it so you could have a full-blown desktop with a single cable power system, and it could be pretty portable. Especially if the machine is something like the M-Series Mac mini, which offers unreal power, is reasonably cheap, and is portable in and of itself. You could even get a portable power station and run this on the go.
UPerfect UColor T3: In use(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )SpecsDisplay: 23.8 in IPS, 3840×2160 (4K)
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Contract Ratio: 1000:1
Finish: Matte anti-glare
Brightness: 350 cd/m2
Ports: USB-C (power + DP Alt Mode), HDMI, 3.5 mm audio out
Mounting: 75×75 mm VESA holes
Stand: Adjustable tilt stand built in
Power: USB-C
Weight: ≈ 1.92 kg / 4.23 lb (estimate)
Using this for the last few months, on and off, has been great. It hasn't been used every day, but my team and I have repeatedly grabbed it for testing machines, for working in different places. I grabbed this and brought it to a coffee shop, though that was odd, and I used it as an added display for workspaces I already have.
One of my favorite setups I used this monitor for was mounting it on a monitor arm, then putting this display below it at an angle closer to 60 degrees, almost like a laptop display. I love this look when I am working with a laptop, so having a portable display that gives me the same look and feel as my desktop is great.
This display would also be great for those in the IT world who need to physically plug into server rooms, run tests on machines with a repair cart, or similar needs. It's large but portable, making this an excellent display for unique or otherwise not-great scenarios.
UPERFECT UColor T3: Final verdict(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )The UPerfect UColor T3 lives in the grey area between portable monitor and standard desktop monitor, in the best way. It's not stationary and hard to move like a standard display, and it's not too small like most portable displays.
While it doesn't get super bright, which is sad, the colors are great, the matte display cuts down on glare, and the portability and usability with that size is fantastic. For those niche use cases, this is a spectacular option.
The UColor T3 delivers superb 4K sharpness and premium materials in a semi-portable format. It straddles portable and desktop categories perfectly for those who travel occasionally but still need a large, accurate display. It’s not ultra-bright or light, but for workspace flexibility and clarity, it’s an easy recommendation.
Should you buy a UPERFECT UColor T3?Image 1 of 9(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 2 of 9(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 3 of 9(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 4 of 9(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 5 of 9(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 6 of 9(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 7 of 9(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 8 of 9(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Image 9 of 9(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Value
More expensive than other panels, but also a lot more screen
4 / 5
Design
Slim, matte finish, with a built-in stand
4.5 / 5
Hardware
4k panel, HDMI, USB-C and a VESA Mount, but it's fairly dim
4 / 5
Performance
Sharp and easy to see, but only indoors and not with direct light
4 / 5
Overall
A semi-portable, "portable" monitor with massive real estate, a fairly dim display with a built in stand and easy usability.
4.5 / 5
Buy it if...You want a large display, but don't have a dedicated workspace
This display is easy to tear down and set up thanks to the single cable setup and built-in stand, plus the travel case
You have a non-traditional workspace
If you need a monitor, but don't have a standard workspace, this may be perfect. Like mounted in a vehicle, on a cart, in a hallway, or something else odd, yet needing a screenView Deal
You are always on the go, or work out of a backpack
This display won't fit in a backpack, making it really hard to bring with you
You work in bright workspaces or outside
For outside, this display may be a bit cumbersome, and for outside or bright offices, this may be a bit too dim
For more options, we've tested the best business monitors.
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